About the role
Job information Division/Unit: Club Competitions Operations & Events / Division Management Contract type: Max-term Location: Nyon (WFH up to one day per week) Start date: 01/03/2027 End date: 31/08/2028
Main goal
The Ceremonies project provides a compelling experience and amazing images to all target groups in the UEFA EURO 2028 stadiums and for millions of television viewers worldwide. The Ceremonies Manager serves as the primary point of accountability for the delivery of the UEFA EURO opening, closing and cup ceremonies, and acts as the senior representative of the Ceremonies project within UEFA and across external partners. This role is based in Nyon and covers Cardiff, Manchester and London. As a result, travel will be required for venue working visits, to meet with the agencies and suppliers, and to deliver on-site operations.
Key responsibilities
Project management
- Overseeing the end-to-end delivery of the UEFA EURO 2028 ceremonies
- Leading the master planning process, ensuring all milestones are achieved for a seamless execution
- Monitoring project timelines, risks and dependencies across the project workstream
- Establishing reporting structures and providing regular updates to the Senior Manager
- Developing contingency and crisis-management plans to ensure smooth operations
Operations
- Ensuring the full integration of ceremony operations with other UEFA venue-related functions, such as accreditation, access, venue management, volunteers, technical services, broadcast and giant screen operations
- Overseeing the planning and execution of rehearsals
- Monitoring operational readiness and approving final delivery plans
- Leading the integration of the official main artist in the ceremonies, where required
- Ensuring agencies deliver the approved creative concept against contractual obligations, budgets and quality standards
- Acting as the main escalation point for ceremony-related challenges
- Facilitating alignment across stakeholder groups
Contract and budget management
- Leading the process to appoint agencies and any other relevant suppliers, including preparing tender documents, defining agency scope, and performing technical and financial evaluations in close cooperation with the procurement team
- Negotiating and overseeing production contracts with agencies and other suppliers
- Monitoring expenditure and approving budget allocations
- Owning and managing the ceremonies budget
- Leading cost reconciliation and reporting during and following the tournament
Team management
- Leading and coaching the EURO ceremonies team
- Supporting knowledge sharing
- Promoting inclusive leadership and effective cross-functional collaboration
Requirements
Experience:
- more than 7 years experience in project management in live events
- more than 7 years experience in event management
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in project management or event management
Languages:
- Fluent in English
Other requirements:
- Relocation to Switzerland/France is expected
- Familiar with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams
- Proficient in budget management
- Willingness to travel
- Strong organisational skills
- Ability to deliver multiple projects within scope, budget and non-negotiable deadlines
- Experience managing significant contracts with agencies/suppliers
- Enjoy leading a team
Desirable:
- Proven experience in a multicultural business environment, preferably linked to international sports events
- Knowledge of ceremonies and other broadcast events
- Knowledge of UEFA projects and their interaction with ceremonies
- Experience working in the three stadiums hosting the ceremonies
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